Seed Certification is a particular prescribed procedure through which genetic identity, physical and physiological purity and seed health is maintained in seeds and propagating materials of notified kinds and varieties. As a result, the certified seed is of known pedigree, high varietal purity and good seedling value and confirm to the prescribed field as well as laboratory standards in respect of genetical and physical purity, germination, moisture percentage and seed health.

The main objective of the H.P. State Seed & Organic Produce Certification Agency is to maintain, provide and make available to the public high quality seeds of notified varieties and propagating materials and to ensure their genetic identity, known pedigree, high varietal purity and good seedling value. Certified seed has to meet the field as well as laboratory minimum standards in respect of genetic and physical purity, health and germination etc.

Functions & Duties: The main functions of the H.P. State Seed & Organic Produce Certification Agency are as under:

• To act as the Certification Agency established under section 8 of the Seeds Act, 1966 (54 of 1966). The State Government in consultation with the Central Govt. by notification in the Official Gazette established a Certification Agency for the State to carry out the functions entrusted to the Certification Agency by or under this Act.
  
• To discharge the functions entrusted to the Certification Agency under Section 9 & 10 of The Seeds Act, 1966 (54 of 1966).
  
• To disseminate the scientific knowledge regarding standardization of seeds according to the National / International Standards.
  
• To recognize kinds and varieties, where improved varieties are not available/ eligible for seed certification and publish annually a list/ lists indicting the name of such kinds and varieties .
  
• To maintain a list of source of breeder and foundation seeds approved by the Central Seed Certification Board (CSCB) in the case of varieties grown in more than one state and by the State Certification Board in the case of varieties of local importance.
  
• To verify upon receipt of an application for certification that the application has been submitted in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the Central Seed Certification Board (CSCB) and that the source of seed, used for planting, is from approved sources.
  
• To conduct inspections of seed processing plant and seed lots in accordance with the procedure outlined by the Central Seed Certification Board (CSCB).
  
• To ensure that the seeds certified in the state confirm to the standards prescribed by the Central Seed Certification Board.
  
• To carry out educational programmes designed to promote the use of certified seeds.
  
• To maintain coordination with different departments of the State Government, Central Government and other Agencies to promote the use of certified seeds.

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